Table of Contents
Why self cleaning concrete?
Self-Cleaning Concrete is an innovative construction material that has been developed in the past decades providing the “self cleaning” ability of concrete surfaces, by retaining their light colour for longer, along with the property to remove airborne toxins, particularly nitrogen oxides.
What type of cement is used for self cleaning concrete?
Photocatalytic Cement – Also known as Self-Cleaning Cement The unique properties of this cement are photo catalytic components that use the energy from ultraviolet rays to oxidize organic and some inorganic compounds.
How is photocatalytic concrete made?
The primary catalytic ingredient of photocatalytic concrete is Titanium oxide (TiO2), a white pigment. When activated by the energy in sunlight, TiO2 creates a charge separation of electrons which disperses on the photocatalytic surface and reacts with external substances, decomposing organic compounds.
How does self cleaning concrete work?
Self-cleaning concrete works by adding a catalyst, usually titanium dioxide, to the fresh concrete mix. Titanium dioxide activates in the hardened concrete when exposed to the sun. Photocatalytic materials used in concrete also show promise in helping decompose airborne pollutants like exhaust in congested cities.
How is self cleaning concrete made?
Self cleaning concrete is produced by adding catalytic material to the concrete mixture. It is a new construction material that has been developed in the past three decades. The most prominent properties of the type of concrete is self cleaning ability.
What is titanium dioxide used for in concrete?
Abstract: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an excellent photocatalytic material that imparts biocidal, self-cleaning and smog-abating functionalities when added to cement-based materials. During early hydration times, TiO2 is shown to accelerate the formation of cement gel and reduce capillary porosity.
What is photocatalytic self cleaning concrete?
What is Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning Concrete? Self cleaning concrete is produced by adding catalytic material to the concrete mixture. It is a new construction material that has been developed in the past three decades. The most prominent properties of the type of concrete is self cleaning ability.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-compacting concrete?
Advantages of Self-Compacting Concrete
- Fast placement without mechanical consolidation.
- Improved constructability.
- Reduces permeability in concrete structures.
- Minimizes voids in highly-reinforced areas.
- Eliminates problems associated with concrete vibration.
What is self-cleaning concrete and why is it so popular?
Self-cleaning concrete is attractive not only because of its self-cleaning abilities but also because of its environmentally friendliness. The use of this contemporary cement composite in urban and interurban areas can reduce maintenance cost and ensure a cleaner environment.
Is self-healing concrete worth the cost?
Self-healing concrete is estimated to save up to 50\% of concrete’s lifetime cost by eliminating the need for repair.” Dr Richard Barnes, who works for the Concrete Society, disagrees: “Concrete very rarely crumbles when it encounters water, wind or stress within its design capability (note the 2,000-year-old concrete roof of the Pantheon).
How much does self-consolidating concrete cost?
Self-consolidating concrete can add up to $50 per yards to your construction costs. This cost will vary among ready-mix concrete producers.
What are the disadvantages of using self-compacting concrete?
Using self-compacting concrete must not be used indiscriminately. These factors can affect the behavior and performance of self-compacting concrete: Hot weather. Long haul distances can reduce flowability of self-compacting concrete. Delays on job site could affect the concrete mix design performance.